Army says no to more tanks, but Congress insists

This undated file photo provided by the General Dynamics Land System shows the production of an Abrams tank in Lima, Ohio. Lawmakers from both parties have devoted nearly half a billion dollars in taxpayer money over the past two years to build... (AP Photo/General Dynamics Land System, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army's hulking Abrams tank was built to dominate the enemy in combat.

It's proving equally hard to beat in a budget battle.

Republicans and Democrats joined forces to add $436 million to the military's budget over the past two years for dozens of improved versions of the 70-ton Abrams that Army officials say they don't need.

Keeping the Abrams production line rolling protects businesses and good paying jobs in congressional districts that are home to the tank's many suppliers.

Lawmakers also say more tanks are good for national security.

But the boost for additional and unwanted tanks comes as the Pentagon wrestles with billions of dollars in budget reductions over the next decade that were ordered by a Congress determined to rein in runaway government spending.